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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Neurosci.

Sec. Brain Imaging Methods

Volume 19 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1578473

Magnetoencephalographic Source Localization and Reconstruction via Deep Learning

Provisionally accepted
Stefano  FranceschiniStefano Franceschini1*Michele  AmbrosanioMichele Ambrosanio2Maria  Maddalena AutorinoMaria Maddalena Autorino1Sohail  MaqsoodSohail Maqsood1Fabio  BaseliceFabio Baselice1
  • 1Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
  • 2Department of Economics, Law, Cybersecurity and Sports Sciences, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Campania, Italy

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Within this manuscript a deep learning algorithm designed to achieve both spatial and temporal source reconstruction based on signals captured by MEG devices is introduced. Brain signal estimation at source level is a significant challenge in magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data processing. Traditional algorithms offer excellent temporal resolution but are limited in spatial resolution due to the inherent ill-posed nature of the problem. Nevertheless, many applications require precise localization of pathological tissues to provide reliable information for clinicians. In this context, deep learning solutions emerge as promising candidates for high resolution signals estimations. The proposed approach, termed 'Deep-MEG', employs a hybrid neural network architecture capable of extracting both temporal and spatial information from signals captured by MEG sensors. The algorithm is capable to handling the entire brain and, therefore, is not limited to cortical sources imaging. To validate its efficacy, the Authors conducted simulations involving multiple active sources using a realistic forward model, and subsequently compared the results with those obtained using various state-of-the-art reconstruction algorithms. Finally Deep-MEG has been tested also with real MEG data.

Keywords: beamforming, brain signal estimation, brain source reconstruction, neural networks, Magnetoencephalography

Received: 17 Feb 2025; Accepted: 27 Jun 2025.

Copyright: © 2025 Franceschini, Ambrosanio, Autorino, Maqsood and Baselice. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Stefano Franceschini, Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy

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